----- Original Message -----
From: "Barrett, Don" <Don.Barrett@ed.gov>
To: <uaccess-l@trace.wisc.edu>
Sent: Friday, May 23, 2003 12:07 PM
Subject: [UACCESS-L] Department Seeks Broad Input for New National Education
Technolog y Plan
FYI to all interested in increasing the accessibility of educational
technology for students with disabilities
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Public Affairs, News Branch
400 Maryland Ave., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202
FOR RELEASE
May 23, 2003
Contact: David Thomas
(202) 401-1576
DEPARTMENT SEEKS BROAD INPUT FOR NEW NATIONAL EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY PLAN
The U.S. Department of Education today announced that it is calling
for broad participation and input from a wide array of education
stakeholders in crafting a new National Education Technology Plan, as
required by the recently enacted No Child Left Behind law.
The department is actively seeking advice from a variety of
constituencies in education, especially students, parents, K-12 educators,
colleges and university leaders, and business and industry. Individuals and
organizations are being asked to identify and communicate to the Department
of Education their top issues, priorities, concerns, and barriers that need
to be addressed for technology to improve teaching and learning in the 21st
century. Interested parties can give their input by visiting the National
Education Technology Plan's Web site at www.NationalEdTechPlan.org, and
clicking on the "Participate in the Plan" link.
U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige said the long-range plan has a
sharp focus on students. "The plan will center on how to help students as
they grow up being exposed to various technologies," he said. "As
technology continues to be an important part of children's lives outside of
school, it is shaping their expectations of what school will be like. The
National Education Technology Plan intends to explore this trend and the
implications for creating digital age educational opportunities to match the
expectations of digital age students."
The department's plan will serve as a valuable tool for education
leaders to set a strategic direction to meet the demands of life and work in
a future that will continue to change as a result of technology.
"This effort will set new priorities and actions that all
stakeholders can rally behind to ensure technology is being used effectively
to prepare students for their future, not our past," Paige added.
"Technology provides new ways of explaining and enhancing educational
opportunities for students. When used effectively, technology can help
prepare our nation's children succeed in the 21st century."
"But first we want input from a variety of sources," said John
Bailey, director of educational technology at the department. "More
opportunities to provide comments and recommendations will occur once the
priorities have been identified. Ultimately, this feedback will ensure that
policymakers at all levels of government can understand how to use
technology effectively and how states can employ technology to help meet the
goals of No Child Left Behind."
The No Child Left Behind Act charges the secretary of education with
developing the nation's third National Education Technology Plan. The plan
will establish a national strategy supporting the effective use of
technology to improve student academic achievement and prepare them for the
21st century. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress our
nation has made as a result of a decade of increased federal, state, local
and private investments in connecting classrooms to the Internet, providing
students with computers, and equipping teachers with the skills they need to
use technology as an instructional tool.
No Child Left Behind is the landmark education reform law designed
to change the culture of America's schools by closing the achievement gap,
offering more flexibility, giving parents more options and teaching students
based on proven education practices. For more information on No Child Left
Behind, visit www.nlcb.gov.
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